Buying Used Prius Agonizing over Details : }

**Only to be read by those who are entertained by and interested in helping a damsel in distress. : } **

My newest specimen: (don't be fooled - there have been others today that didn't pass)

2007 Gray - Pkg 1 (no VSC) 78K - 2nd owner

This private seller called me due to my inquiry a month ago. Pkg 1 (boo hoo)
Could be a good deal because he's moving family across country and motivated to sell.

Asking $6750 per email but prior to this he verbally stated he thought he had asked $5750 on Auto trader.

Details:
Replacing dead 12V battery - car sitting a few weeks while on business trip
He has dead fob with silver Toyota symbol on it and missing second one most likely packed for move hmm.....he has gone to Toyota service to get fob working
(I don't think he's aware how expensive replacement fob is but has assured me he will have two working fobs if I want car)

Per Toyota Service Dept:
- Date of first use 2/24/07 - hybrid battery warranty thru 2/24/17
- Two open recalls: hybrid system water pump and steering shaft (I would want these done before purchase in case something else is discovered?)
- I haven't seen a Carfax report but no service noted on Vin history since he purchased in 2010 (I'm asking him for service records)
- if he doesn't have service records, I think I should definitely pass

Other details:
- small ding on passenger's door - I'm checking to see if it's cracked paint or just a dent
- per photos, car looks really clean but...missing console micro fibre cover / he said he will deduct cost to get this replaced.

Toyota service said this can't be re covered. Entire cover needs to be replaced although a Boston service dept told me they refer people to auto upholstery repair shop for recovering. I'm aware there are after market covers but I don't want it to look tacky or start falling apart. It's already my least favorite part of car. : }

Maybe this car sounds too complicated. At a good price it could get me by for a while and I could trade/sell when my dream P appears.

2009 with leather interior parked next to me today. Simply gorgeous inside! Was this a sign??

They LOVE their Prius too much to sell. : )

Thanks for any feedback!

 

Thanks! JTM

Owner actually sounds like a responsible guy just overwhelmed by work and big move coming up. Doesn't strike me as someone who is careless with his car. Would just hate to buy a car that hadn't had regular oil changes etc. These things can't usually be noticed during an inspection right?

I became concerned as I was typing all the issues involved with this car. Thinking...."they must think I'm nuts for even considering such a car!" Especially when I really want VSC. This could be my transitional Prius. Ha!

 

Oh and I confirmed the confusing issue regarding hybrid warranty.

Saw a beautiful 2008 silver pkg 6 serviced most of it's life in CT. Previously driven by general manager of Toyota dealership. (I know that's what they all say)

They insisted this car had 10/150K warranty on battery despite car spending first few months of it's life in state of IA. I was able to confirm with service dept. that the first months in IA cause this hybrid battery to only 8/100K warranty.

 

I know people have said package one was fleet but I've seen multiple package one "Prii" with 2 private owners on Carfax. I even test drove one the other day that was one private owner. Package 1 does include back up camera. I don't want to be without VSC but for a good deal might be ok without if for a bit.

 

Would you mind briefly explaining the reasoning for switching to synthetic oil. What happens if this wasn't done or someone added regular to synthetic? I guess I could google.

Oh my...I didn't realize photos would be so big. Hopefully when I press post they will shrink! Still waiting to hear from him.

Super cheap tires compared to what I'm used to buying. : (

 

What would be considered an extended test drive? Sorry I don't know what's appropriate. I usually do quick test drive on highway and bumpy road plus hill. So far I can tell right away I wouldn't buy certain cars. What's the least amount I should test drive a car. I'd have Toyota dealer test it too.

Yes...I'm good at researching details but as you can see, I'm clueless about some basic things!

All this work and he'll email me saying he sold it to someone else. Ha! At least I'm learning more each time I inquire.

 

I'll try again in a few minutes. : /

 

I DO NOT know what I'm doing. : } It says thumbnail verses full image. I clicked both for the photo that shows ding on passenger door. The other 4 photos I left alone to see what happens.

I can ask dealership to check for any body work being done as part of inspection ...right? I know how to check for vin # on each panel and to look for bad paint job.

.

 

Believe me I would prefer buying from dealer although the model year I'm looking at doesn't typically come with more than 30 day warranty depending on which state I buy from.There is a Toyota certified 2009 with about 45K for sale but it's almost $13,000. I can't finance more than $100 per month and that's stretching it.

I need to weigh pros and cons of not having a car loan when buying this private seller Prius. Thank you for your help!!!!!